Welcome …

I'm Nick Abadilla, and I work as a professional photographer based in San Diego, California. Here's a quick snapshot (pun intended) of my life …

I've been happily married to my lovely wife Nance for over 19 years, and together we raise our beautiful and vibrant daughter Sophie who gives us reason to smile and laugh each day. We've traveled the world as a family, and are all the better for it. Egypt, China, Japan, France, New Zealand ... hmmm, where to next?

I started my business in 2002 following 20 intense but rewarding years in the graphic design industry. With corporate life behind me, I found myself doing a lot of really deep soul searching, ultimately realizing it was time to honor my long-time passion for photography. So with my wife's blessing, I wholeheartedly embraced it as a profession and haven't regretted it for a second. Working from a cozy 1,000 square foot artist studio in downtown San Diego's Little Italy section, I specialize in distinct wedding photojournalism, custom portraiture and assignment photography. My love for the craft will be evident once you step inside.

With this blog I give you a glimpse into my life behind the camera. I hope you find the posts interesting, entertaining, and maybe even inspiring from time to time. Your comments are most welcome and encouraged. And don't forget to check out my main sites at nickabadilla.com and abadillaphoto.com!

Exquisite Weddings Magazine Photo Shoots

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I had the pleasure of shooting two more features for Exquisite Weddings Magazine earlier this summer for inclusion in their Fall 2009 issue. The first assignment was for a tasty article entitled A Catered Affair featuring four of San Diego’s top chef’s as presented their dream wedding menu: Scott Wagner of ChileCo Catering, Dining Details Personal Chef Service, Giuseppe Ciuffa of Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering, and finally Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille in Del Mar. The four separate shoots over as many days took us all over the county – The Hazy Meadow Ranch in Lakeside, Villa de Flores in Rancho Sante Fe, The Museum Cafe at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, and lastly Jeffrey Strauss’ home in Del Mar. Over the course of these sessions, graphic designer Lisa Williams and I had a tough time keeping our forks at bay as dish after savory dish was meticulously prepared, plated and photographed. I clicked away, often with my nose mere inches from these supreme creations, fighting the urge to sneak a bite when no one was looking.

Assignment #2 was to photograph an elegant, rustic Mexico-flavored table setting at Candelas on the Bay in Coronado. I teamed up with Creative Director Alyssa McNees to enjoy a quiet, relaxed morning shoot as the restaurant prepared for their lunchtime patrons. Tam Ashworth of Isari Flower Studio applied her tabletop artistry to create a classic Hispanic feel, artfully blending with the rustic Mexican tones and decor of the restaurant. A centerpiece of locally-grown colorful dahlias adding the finishing touch.

The Fall 2009 issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine is now available on newstands and can also be ordered online (look for my full-page ad in the first few pages!). Below are a few images from the two assignments (note that each chef is followed by pics of their respective creations) …